Centralized system for software updating vehicle components

ABSTRACT

A centralized system for real-time monitoring widely distributed software updates of vehicle components, comprises: an arbitration server; a distributed network comprising a plurality of communication servers; a plurality of vehicles, each vehicle of said plurality of vehicles comprising a telematics control unit (TCU) operable to communicate with one communication server of said plurality of communication servers, each TCU is adapted to receive and deploy software updates to electronic control units (ECUs) within its corresponding vehicle, and said TCU is operable to generate status updates for software updates and communicate the status updates to the corresponding communication server; and each communication server is operable to simultaneously receive data messages comprising status updates from the plurality of vehicles and to generate a data stream comprising the data messages, the data stream being sent to a log file.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to vehicles, in general, and to methods andapparatus permitting vehicle manufacturers to remotely update vehiclesoftware in mass or individually utilizing over the air (OTA) wirelesscommunication of update packages to vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicles make extensive use of programmed electronics to control avariety of apparatus and functions. Typically, electronic control units(ECUs) provide control of apparatus and functions. Each ECU typicallycomprises a microcontroller and a flash memory to store software andparameters for controlling the specific ECU related apparatus orfunctions.

The ECUs are interconnected into a vehicle network via a bus. One suchvehicle network bus in common usage is a controller area network (CAN)bus that is a standardized vehicle bus designed to allow ECUs anddevices to communicate with each other.

Modern vehicles also typically comprise wireless communicationcapabilities. One such mechanism for providing wireless communicationsmay include a telematics control unit (TCU). Generally, a TCU refers toan embedded system on board a vehicle that combines telecommunicationsand information processing. The term has evolved to refer to automobilesystems that combine global positioning system (GPS) satellite trackingand wireless communications. A TCU typically comprises or has access toa global positioning system (GPS) unit, which keeps track of thelocation of the vehicle, a memory, a microcontroller, and one or moreinterfaces for wireless mobile communication via, for example, GPRS,Wi-Fi, WiMAX, or LTE. A TCU is connected or coupled to the vehiclenetwork bus.

From time to time the vehicle manufacture may issue software updates toprovide enhancements or corrections or other changes to software anddata stored in the various ECUs. The updates are installed by reflashingthe ECU flash memories.

Typically software updates are provided under a manufacturers warrantyor as part of a recall. Notices are sent out to vehicle ownersrequesting that the owner return the vehicle to a manufacturer's dealerfor software updating. Upon bringing the vehicle into the dealer, thevehicle dealer installs the software update.

There are significant costs associated with providing vehicle updates.Manufacturers typically reimburse the vehicle dealer for installing thesoftware. In addition there are costs associated with sending thenotifications to the vehicle owners. It is not uncommon for vehicleowners to fail to respond to a notification thereby necessitating theadditional expense of subsequent notifications. It is not uncommon for avehicle owner to fail to timely respond to the inconvenience of bringinga vehicle into a dealer.

Accordingly it is desirable to provide methods and apparatus that permitremote updating of vehicle software such that dealer costs for softwareinstallation are significantly reduced or eliminated altogether.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of a method for wireless remote updating of vehiclesoftware of one or more target electronic control units (ECUs) in atarget vehicle group comprising one or more vehicles, each ECUcomprising a flash memory is provided. The method comprises hostingmanager software on a server that is one of a client server or a centralserver accessible by a client. The method further comprises utilizingthe manager software for: selecting the target vehicle group; generatinga differential update package (DUP) for the target vehicle group, theDUP comprising update manager software; selecting update prerequisitesfor executing the DUP; and selecting update scheduling for downloadingthe DUP. The method further comprises: providing download managersoftware for downloading the DUP to each one or more target vehicles,and utilizing the download manager software for: establishing a separatewireless communication link to a telematics control unit (TCU) in eachtarget vehicle of the target vehicle group; and utilizing the downloadmanager software to download the DUP to each TCU via each separatewireless communication link. The method further comprises utilizing theupdate manager in each TCU to update the one or more target ECUs in eachtarget vehicle by utilizing the DUP to reflash each flash memory of theone or more target ECUs.

The embodiment may further comprise: providing the DUP with an updaterule set and utilizing the update manager software at each TCU to updateeach target ECU flash memory by performing the following steps:validating each target ECU flash image downloaded to each TCU;validating the updated rule set downloaded to each TCU; and updatingeach target ECU in compliance with the rule set.

The embodiment may further comprise: utilizing the download mangersoftware to provide update interaction with each TCU via the separatewireless communication link.

The embodiment may comprise operating each TCU to report update statusto the download manager software via the wireless communication link.

The embodiment may comprise utilizing the manager software for:performing a vehicle search; creating and managing a plurality ofvehicle groups; and selecting the target vehicle group from theplurality of vehicle groups.

The embodiment may further comprise viewing ECU hardware and software ona per vehicle basis.

The embodiment may comprise utilizing the download manger software toprovide update interaction with each the TCU via the wirelesscommunication link.

The embodiment may comprise utilizing each TCU to report status of theupdate to the download manager software via the wireless communicationlink.

The embodiment may comprise providing the manager software with an ECUmanager. The method may comprise utilizing the ECU manager to search forpredetermined ECUs; and utilizing the ECU manager to perform one or bothof uploading contents of each flash memory of the predetermined ECUs ormanaging flash memory contents of the predetermined ECUs.

The embodiment may comprise utilizing the download manager software toprovide update interaction with the TCU via the wireless link.

The embodiment may comprise operating the TCU to report status of theupdate to the download manager software via the wireless link.

The embodiment may comprise utilizing the manager software for:performing a vehicle search; creating and managing vehicle groups; andviewing ECUs on a per vehicle basis and current hardware and softwareversions of each viewed ECU.

The embodiment may comprise providing package manager software,utilizing the package manager to select update prerequisites; utilizingthe package manager to select update scheduling; and utilizing thepackage manager to select notifications to be generated.

The embodiment may comprise utilizing the manager software to requestapproval of each DUP from one or more predetermined individuals.

The embodiment may comprise receiving approval of each DUP from one ormore predetermined individuals prior to initiating any download of eachthe DUP.

An embodiment of a method for updating an electronic control unit (ECU)in a vehicle, the ECU comprising flash memory storing a digital contentimage, a random access memory (RAM), and a boot loader comprises:generating a differential update package (DUP) for the ECU to update thedigital content image to an updated digital content image. The DUPcomprises instructions to perform one or more of copying bytes from theflash memory, applying a set of modifications to the copied bytes, andadding additional bytes. The method further comprises transmitting theDUP over a wireless carrier system to a telematics device of thevehicle; storing an original block of the flash memory into the RAM;modifying the block in accordance with the DUP to produce a modifiedblock; erasing the original block from the flash memory; and writing themodified block into the flash memory in place of the block.

The flash memory and the RAM are sized to not have the capacity tosimultaneously store the present digital content image, the desireddigital content image, and the DUP.

The method further comprises generating the DUP by comparing presentdigital content image of the flash memory with new desired digitalcontent image of the flash memory and producing a set of changesrequired to modify the present digital content image to the desireddigital content image.

The method may further comprise modifying the boot loader to allow aflashing tool to provide instructions to the boot loader to implementthe DUP on the digital content image.

The method may further comprise utilizing the flashing tool to keeptrack of progression of updating the flash memory; utilizing theflashing tool to detect any disruption of the updating progression; andutilizing the flashing tool to initiate continuation of the updatingprogression from the disruption.

The method may further comprise modifying the boot loader to allow aflashing tool to provide instructions to the boot loader to implementthe DUP on the digital content image.

An embodiment of a centralized system for real-time monitoring widelydistributed software updates of vehicle components, comprises: anarbitration server; a distributed network comprising a plurality ofcommunication servers; and a plurality of vehicles, each vehicle of theplurality of vehicles comprises a telematics control unit (TCU) operableto communicate with one communication server of the plurality ofcommunication servers, the TCU adapted to receive and deploy softwareupdates to electronic control units (ECUs) within the vehicle, and theTCU is operable to generate status updates for the software updates andcommunicate the status updates to the one communication server. Eachcommunication server of the plurality of communication servers isoperable to simultaneously receive the data messages comprising statusupdates from the plurality of vehicles and to generate a data streamcomprising the data messages from the plurality of vehicles, the datastream being sent to a log file.

In the embodiment, the log file is dedicated to a client; and thearbitration server receives filtering terms and parameters from theclient to reduce the data stream to client determined data.

The embodiment may operate such that the arbitration server receivesparameters from the client to control at least one of formatting andpresentation of the data stream.

Still further, the arbitration server communicates the filter terms toselected communication servers of the plurality of communication serversfor which the filtering terms apply.

Each communication server may compare each of the data messages to thefiltering terms to determine whether each data message matches thefiltering terms and to produce a filtered data stream. The filtered datastream is communicated to the arbitration server.

Another embodiment of a centralized system for real-time monitoringwidely distributed software updates of vehicle components, comprises aclient server, an arbitration server, and a distributed networkcomprising a plurality of communication servers. Each server is operableto communicate with a corresponding plurality of vehicles. Each vehicleof the corresponding plurality of vehicles comprises apparatus operableto communicate with a corresponding communication server of theplurality of communication servers. The apparatus is operable tocommunicate with electronic control units (ECUs) in each vehicle. Theapparatus is operable to receive software updates from the communicationserver and to selectively deploy the software updates to one or moreECUs within the vehicle. The apparatus is operable to monitor status ofthe software updates and to generate status updates for deployment ofthe software updates. The apparatus is operable to communicate thestatus updates to the corresponding communication server. Eachcorresponding communication server is operable to receive data messagescomprising status updates from the corresponding plurality of vehiclesand is operable to utilize the data messages from the correspondingplurality of vehicles to generate a data stream.

In this embodiment, the arbitration server receives filtering terms fromthe client server and applies the filtering terms to the data stream toreduce the data stream to client determined data. The arbitration servermay receive formatting parameters from the client server to controlformatting of the data stream. The arbitration server communicates thefilter terms to selected communication servers of the plurality ofcommunication servers for which the filtering terms apply. Eachcommunication server applies the filtering terms to each of the datamessages to produce a filtered data stream, and the filtered data streamis communicated to the arbitration server. The arbitration servercombines all data streams received from the plurality of communicationservers for the client to produce a combined data stream, and thearbitration server applies the filtering and the formatting andpresentation parameters to the combined data stream to produce afiltered data stream.

An embodiment of a method for real-time widespread distribution ofsoftware updates of vehicle components comprising flash memory comprisesproviding a client server for originating the software updates,providing an arbitration server operable to communicate with the clientserver, and providing a distributed network comprising a plurality ofcommunication servers, each of the communication servers operable tocommunicate with apparatus in a plurality of corresponding vehicles. Theembodiment further comprises operating each apparatus to communicate viaa wireless network with one communication server of the plurality ofcommunication servers to receive and deploy software updates toelectronic control units (ECUs) within its the corresponding vehicle.The embodiment further comprises operating each apparatus to generatestatus updates for the software updates and to communicate the statusupdates to the one communication server via the wireless network. Themethod also comprises operating each communication server of theplurality of communication servers to be operable to concurrentlyreceive the data messages comprising status updates from the pluralityof corresponding vehicles. Still further, the method comprises operatingeach communication server to generate a data stream comprising the datamessages from the plurality of corresponding vehicles, the data streambeing sent to the arbitration server.

An embodiment of a method for real-time monitoring widely distributedsoftware updates of vehicle components, comprises providing a clientserver, providing an arbitration server, providing a distributed networkcomprising a plurality of communication servers, and operating eachcommunication server to communicate with a corresponding plurality ofvehicles. Each vehicle of the corresponding plurality of vehiclescomprises apparatus operable to communicate with a correspondingcommunication server of the plurality of communication servers via awireless network and operable to communicate with electronic controlunits (ECUs) in each vehicle. The method comprises operating eachcommunication server to download selected software updates for one ormore predetermined ECUs in each of the plurality of vehicles to eachvehicle apparatus via the wireless network, operating each vehicleapparatus to selectively deploy the software updates to the one or morepredetermined ECUs within the vehicle to monitor status of the softwareupdates and to generate status updates for deployment of the softwareupdates, and operating each vehicle apparatus to communicate the statusupdates to the corresponding communication server via the wirelessnetwork. Each corresponding communication server is operable to receivedata messages comprising status updates from each vehicle apparatus andto utilize the data messages from the corresponding plurality ofvehicles to generate a corresponding data stream.

An embodiment of a method for real-time distribution of software updatesof vehicle components comprising flash memory comprises the steps ofdetermining that a vehicle owner has requested a software update for theowner's vehicle; providing a client server for originating the softwareupdate; providing an arbitration server operable to communicate with theclient server; providing a distributed network comprising a plurality ofcommunication servers, each of the communication servers operable tocommunicate with apparatus in a plurality of corresponding vehicles viaa wireless network. The method further comprises operating eachapparatus in the owner's vehicle to communicate with one communicationserver of the plurality of communication servers via the wirelessnetwork to receive and deploy the software updates to an electroniccontrol units (ECU) within the owner's vehicle; operating the apparatusin the owner's vehicle to generate status updates for the softwareupdate and to communicate the status update to the one communicationserver via the wireless network; operating each communication server ofthe plurality of communication servers operable to concurrently receivedata messages comprising status updates from the plurality ofcorresponding vehicles via the wireless network; and operating eachcommunication server to generate a data stream comprising the datamessages from the plurality of corresponding vehicles and the statusupdate from the owner's vehicle. The data stream is sent to thearbitration server via the wireless network.

An embodiment of a method for real-time monitoring widely distributedsoftware updates of vehicle components comprises providing a distributednetwork comprising a plurality of communication servers; and operatingeach communication server to communicate with a corresponding pluralityof vehicles. Each vehicle comprises apparatus operable to communicatewith a corresponding communication server of the plurality ofcommunication servers over a wireless network. The apparatus is operableto communicate with electronic control units (ECUs) in each vehicle. Themethod further comprise initiating a software update to apparatus in apredetermined one vehicle of the plurality of vehicles; operating one ofthe communication servers to download selected software updates for apredetermined one or more ECUs in the predetermined one vehicle; andoperating each predetermined one vehicle apparatus to selectively deploythe software updates to one or more predetermined ECUs within thepredetermined one vehicle, to monitor status of the software updates andto generate status updates for deployment of the software updates;operating the apparatus to communicate the status updates to thecorresponding communication server. The one communication server isoperable to receive data messages comprising the status updates from thepredetermined one vehicle apparatus and to utilize the data messages togenerate a corresponding data stream.

An embodiment of a telematics control unit (TCU) installable in avehicle comprises a wireless network interface; an interface to avehicle bus coupled to a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs)disposed in the vehicle, each ECU comprising flash memory, a randomaccess memory (RAM), and a boot loader; a memory; a processor; and adifferential update package (DUP) received via the wireless networkinterface to provide an update to a specific one ECU of the ECUs, theDUP comprising a flashing tool, differential update instructions for thespecific one ECU and differential update data for the flash memory ofthe specific one ECU. The processor utilizes the flashing tool toprovide the differential update instructions to the boot loader of thespecific one ECU. The differential update instructions cause areexecutable by the specific one ECU to store a block of the flash memoryinto the RAM; the processor is operable to provide the differentialupdate data to the specific one ECU; the differential updateinstructions are executable by the specific one ECU to modify the blockin accordance with the differential update data to produce a modifiedblock; the differential update instructions are executable by thespecific one ECU to erase the block from the flash memory; and thedifferential update instructions are executable by the specific one ECUto write the modified block from the RAM into the flash memory in placeof the erased block.

The processor utilizes the flashing tool to keep a progression state ofthe update to the flash memory. The processor utilizes the progressionstate to detect any disruption of the update. The processor utilizes theflashing tool to initiate continuation of the update subsequent to thedisruption.

The wireless network interface may comprise an interface to a wirelesswide area network. The wireless network interface may comprise aninterface to a wireless local area network.

The TCU may comprise a communications agent to automatically select oneof the wireless wide area network interface and the wireless local areanetwork interface over which to receive the DUP.

The TCU may comprise a communications agent responsive to an attempt todownload the DUP over one of the wireless wide area network interfaceand the wireless local area network interface to automatically enabledownloading the DUP to the telematics control unit.

Another embodiment of a telematics control unit (TCU) installable in avehicle comprises: a wireless network interface; an interface to avehicle bus coupled to a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs)disposed in the vehicle, each ECU comprising flash memory, a randomaccess memory (RAM), and a boot loader; a memory; a processor; and adifferential update package (DUP) received via the wireless networkinterface to provide an update to a specific one ECU of the ECUs, theDUP comprises a flashing tool, differential update instructions for thespecific one ECU and differential update data for the flash memory ofthe specific one ECU. The processor is operable to determine if thevehicle is in a predetermined state and the processor is operable toupdate the ECU if the vehicle is in the predetermined state.

The processor is operable to monitor the ECU and the vehicle state andto execute the update only while the ECU is in a predetermined ECU stateand the vehicle is in the predetermined state.

The processor utilizes the flashing tool to provide the differentialupdate instructions to the boot loader of the specific one ECU. Thedifferential update instructions are executable by the specific one ECUto store a block of the flash memory into the RAM. The processor isoperable to provide the differential update data to the specific oneECU. The differential update instructions are executable by the specificone ECU to modify the block in accordance with the differential updatedata to produce a modified block. The differential update instructionsare executable by the specific one ECU to erase the block from the flashmemory and the differential update instructions are executable by thespecific one ECU to write the modified block from the RAM into the flashmemory in place of the erased block.

The processor is operable to monitor the ECU and the vehicle state andto execute the update only while the specific one ECU is in apredetermined ECU state and the vehicle is in the predetermined stateand the updates can be completed in a predetermined period of time.

In an embodiment, the processor utilizes the flashing tool to providedifferential update instructions to the boot loader of the specific oneECU. The differential update instructions are executable by the specificone ECU to store a block of the flash memory into the RAM. The processoris operable to provide differential update data to the specific one ECU.The differential update instructions are executable by the specific oneECU to modify the block in accordance with the differential update datato produce a modified block. The differential update instructions areexecutable by the specific one ECU to erase the block from the flashmemory and the differential update instructions are executable by thespecific one ECU to write the modified block from the RAM into the flashmemory in place of the erased block.

In an embodiment, the processor utilizes the flashing tool to keep aprogression state of the update to the flash memory. The processorutilizes the progression state to detect any disruption of the update.The processor utilizes the flashing tool to initiate continuation of theupdate subsequent to the disruption.

In an embodiment, the wireless network interface comprises an interfaceto a wireless wide area network. The wireless network interfacecomprises an interface to a wireless local area network. The telematicscontrol unit may further comprise a communications agent toautomatically select one of the wireless wide area network interface andthe wireless local area network interface over which to receive the DUP.

In an embodiment, the communications agent is responsive to an attemptto download the DUP over one of the wireless wide area network interfaceand the wireless local area network interface to automatically enabledownloading the DUP to the telematics control unit.

An embodiment of a method for upgrading vehicle electronic control units(ECUs) comprising a flash memory and disposed in a vehicle comprising atelematics control unit (TCU) that is operable to communicate to theECUs is provided. The method comprises creating a differential upgradepackage (DUP) for each upgrade to a predetermined ECU. The creatingcomprises: comparing a new image of the digital contents of thepredetermined ECU flash memory with a present image of the digitalcontents of the predetermined ECU flash memory; and producing a set ofchanges to modify the present image to the new image, the changescomprising a set of instructions. The set of instructions comprises aninstruction to copy a block of bytes from the predetermined ECU flashmemory, an instruction perform one or more of applying a set ofmodifications to the block of bytes and adding additional bytes to theblock of bytes to generate a block of the new image, and an instructionto copy the block of the new image into the predetermined ECU flashmemory in place of the copied block of bytes from the predetermined ECUflash memory. The method further comprises downloading the DUP to one ormore vehicles comprising a telematics control unit (TCU) via a wirelessnetwork and utilizing the telematics control unit to automaticallyrespond to receipt of the DUP to the predetermined ECU to update thepredetermined ECU flash memory.

In an embodiment, the method comprises utilizing a distributed networkto download the DUP to a plurality of vehicles to provide concurrentupdating of the predetermined ECU in each plurality of vehicles.

In an embodiment, the method comprises providing a client server;uploading the DUP to the client server; and coupling the client serverto a distributed network to download the DUP to a plurality of vehicles,each comprising the predetermined ECU.

An embodiment of the method further comprises utilizing an arbitrationserver coupled to a plurality of communication servers for thedistributed network.

The method may further comprise providing a distributed networkcomprising an arbitration server and a plurality of communicationservers; uploading the DUP to the communication servers via thearbitration server; and downloading the DUP concurrently from theplurality of communication servers to a plurality of vehicles.

A further embodiment of a method is provided for real-time monitoring ofwidely distributed software updates of vehicle electronic control units(ECUs), each ECU comprising a flash memory, each ECU disposed in onevehicle of a plurality of vehicles, and each vehicle comprising atelematics control unit (TCU) that is operable to communicate to theECUs. The method comprises creating a digital upgrade package (DUP) foreach upgrade to a predetermined ECU in each vehicle of the plurality ofvehicles. The creating comprises: comparing a new image of the digitalcontents of a predetermined ECU flash memory with a present image of thedigital contents of the predetermined ECU flash memory; and producing aset of changes to modify the present image to the new image, the changescomprising a set of instructions. The set of instructions comprises aninstruction to copy a block of bytes from the predetermined ECU flashmemory, an instruction perform one or more of applying a set ofmodifications to the block of bytes and adding additional bytes to theblock of bytes to generate a block of the new image, and an instructionto copy the block of the new image into the predetermined ECU flashmemory in place of the copied block of bytes from the predetermined ECUflash memory. The method further comprises downloading the DUP to theplurality of vehicles via a wireless distributed network; utilizing eachtelematics control unit to automatically respond to receipt of the DUPto update a corresponding the predetermined ECU flash memory; utilizingeach telematics control unit to automatically generate an update statusreport for the DUP update of the corresponding predetermined ECU flashmemory; and operating each telematics control unit to automaticallyupload the status report to the wireless distributed network.

An embodiment may comprise: providing the wireless distributed networkwith a plurality of communication servers, each of the communicationservers operable to communicate with a corresponding subset of theplurality of vehicles; and providing the wireless distributed networkwith an arbitration server operable to communicate with the plurality ofcommunication servers.

An embodiment may comprise operating each communication server of theplurality of communication servers to receive the update status reportfrom each vehicle of the corresponding subset of the plurality ofvehicles; and operating each communication server of the plurality ofcommunication servers to combine the update status reports into acorresponding data stream.

An embodiment may comprise providing each communication server of theplurality of communication servers with data stream filtering criteriato filter the update status reports to produce a filtered data stream.

An embodiment may comprise uploading the data stream filtering criteriato the arbitration server from a client and may further compriseproviding each communication server of the plurality of communicationservers with formatting data to format the filtered data stream.

An embodiment may yet further comprise uploading the data streamfiltering criteria to the arbitration server from a client.

An embodiment may comprise providing the arbitration server with datastream filtering criteria to filter the update status reports to producea filtered data stream; establishing communication links with selectedcommunication servers of the plurality of communication servers forwhich the data stream filtering is applicable; uploading the data streamfiltering criteria to the selected communication servers; and utilizingthe data stream filtering criteria at each of the selected communicationservers to filter the update status reports to generate a correspondingdata stream for each of the selected communication servers.

An embodiment may further comprise downloading each corresponding datastream to the arbitration server; and operating the arbitration serverto combine all of the corresponding filtered data streams into a singledata stream; and downloading the single data stream to the client.

An embodiment may comprise providing the arbitration server withformatting criteria; and utilizing the arbitration server to apply theformatting criteria to the single data stream to provide a formatteddata stream.

An embodiment may comprise downloading the formatted data stream to theclient.

An embodiment is provided for a method for real-time monitoring ofwidely distributed software updates of vehicle electronic control units(ECUs), each ECU comprising a flash memory, each ECU disposed in onevehicle of a plurality of vehicles, each vehicle comprising a telematicscontrol unit (TCU) that is operable to communicate to the ECUs. Themethod comprises creating a digital upgrade package (DUP) for eachupgrade to a predetermined ECU in each vehicle of the plurality ofvehicles; downloading the DUP to the plurality of vehicles via awireless distributed network; utilizing each telematics control unit toautomatically respond to receipt of the DUP to update a correspondingthe predetermined ECU flash memory; utilizing each telematics controlunit to automatically generate an update status report for each DUPupdate of the corresponding the predetermined ECU flash memory; andoperating each telematics control unit to automatically upload thestatus report to the wireless distributed network.

An embodiment may comprise providing the wireless distributed networkwith a plurality of communication servers, each of the communicationservers operable to communicate with a corresponding subset plurality ofvehicles of the plurality of vehicles; and providing the wirelessdistributed network with an arbitration server operable to communicatewith the plurality of communication servers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the followingdetailed description in conjunction with the drawing figures in whichlike designators are utilized to identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional overview of a system for providingvehicle updates;

FIG. 2 illustrates how FIGS. 2A and 2B are to be arranged to show ascreenshot of a Policy Manager dashboard;

FIGS. 2A and 2B, when arranged as shown in FIG. 2, is a screenshot of aPolicy Manager dashboard;

FIG. 3 is a screen shot of a Vehicle Manager vehicle selection;

FIG. 4 is a screen shot of the Vehicle Manager vehicle selection showingsearch results;

FIG. 5 is a screen shot of the Vehicle Manager group selection;

FIG. 6 is a second screen shot of the Vehicle Manager group selection;

FIG. 7 is a screen shot of a Vehicle Manager ECU type manager;

FIG. 8 is a screen shot of a Vehicle Manager manufacturer selection;

FIG. 9 is a screen shot of a Package Manager selection;

FIG. 10 illustrates how FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are to be arranged toshow a screen shot of the Package Manager;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C, when arranged as shown in FIG. 10, is a screenshot of the Package Manager;

FIG. 11 illustrates how FIGS. 11A and 11B are arranged to show a secondscreen shot of a second screen of the Package Manager;

FIGS. 11A and 11B, when arranged as shown in FIG. 11, is a second screenshot of a second screen of the Package Manager;

FIG. 12 is a screen shot of a screen accessed when the Quality Assurance(QA) tab is selected;

FIG. 13 illustrates how FIGS. 13A and 13B are arranged to show a screenshot;

FIGS. 13A and 13B when arranged as shown in FIG. 13 illustrate a screenshot;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a telematics control unit;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a portion of an update system;

FIG. 16 is a more detailed portion of the update system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 illustrates details of an expandable router network; and

FIG. 18 illustrates further details of the network of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates, in simplified form, the functionality of anembodiment of a system 100 for providing software updates to vehicles.System 100 provides for wireless distribution of vehicle softwareupdates originating at the vehicle manufacturer including, but notlimited to, enhancements or corrections or other changes to vehicularsoftware and data. Advantageously, system 100 is operable toautomatically provide such updates to individual selected vehicles or tolarge groups of predetermined vehicles. System 100 may be utilized toautomatically provide notifications of update availability to vehicleowners, automatically download vehicle updates and to generate reportson update status.

In system 100, a software update is generated by or at the vehiclemanufacturer.

To provide software updates to ECUs a method is provided to perform adifferential image upgrade to vehicle ECUs having limited flash memorystorage and limited random access memory (RAM), without requiring accessto the original flash memory data storage image.

To reduce image download time and cost of OTA flashing of ECU images,only changes to the original image are sent instead of an entire newimage. These changes are referred to herein as a Differential UpgradePackage (DUP). A DUP is created by comparing the new image to theoriginal image and producing a set of changes required to modify theoriginal image to the new image. The set of changes compriseinstructions to copy bytes from the original image and apply a set ofmodifications to those bytes and/or add additional bytes to the newimage.

One approach to create the new image requires enough memory to hold theoriginal image, the new image and the DUP. It also requires access tothe original image. However, many ECUs do not have enough flash memoryand/or RAM to hold the original image, the new image and the DUP. Due tosecurity concerns most ECUs image cannot be read externally. Thispresents barriers to flashing tools to implement Over-The-Air upgradingof ECUs using DUPs.

In the various embodiments a method is provided that requires only minorchanges to the boot loader on the ECU to allow a flashing tool toprovide instructions to boot loader to implement the DUP on the actualimage in the ECU's flash memory. Flash memory is designed in such a waythat for writes to occur the an area of the memory, called a block isfirst erased and the that block can be written. In order for a some partof a block to be modified the following sequence is typically used:

-   -   1) The block is typically read into RAM;    -   2) The RAM is then modified to reflect that value to be written;    -   3) The block is erased; and    -   4) The block is then written from RAM.

The ECU boot loader supports the following commands:

-   -   1) move source_address, destination_address, size    -   2) move_with_modifications source_address,destination_address,        size, modification_bytes . . .    -   3) write_bytes address, size, bytes . . .

The flashing tool implementing this method takes the DUP and creates andexecutes the boot loader commands to perform the changes. The flashingtool also keeps a progression state, in case there is a disruption inthe flashing progress.

A manufacturer representative utilizing a terminal 101 accesses a PolicyManager computer program 103. In this embodiment, Policy manager program103 is hosted on one or more servers. The servers may be based at thevehicle manufacturer. Alternatively, Policy Manager 103 may be providedas Software as a Service (SAAS) SAAS is a software licensing anddelivery model in which software is licensed on a subscription basis andis centrally hosted. SAAS is sometimes referred to as “on-demandsoftware”. SAAS is typically accessed by users via a web browser. Stillfurther, Policy Manager 103 may be hosted on third party servers andexecutable thereon.

Associated with Policy Manager 103 are replicated databases that are notshown in FIG. 1. Policy Manager 103 provides customized dashboardsviewable at terminal 101. The customized dashboards are described hereinbelow.

In the embodiment shown, Policy Manager 103 comprises four distinctinterlocking software components, i.e., a vehicle manager 105, ECUmanager 107, package manager 109, and reports manager 111. Each of thefour components is described in detail below.

Policy Manager 103 is utilized to create update packages and to obtainapproval of update packages. The approved update packages are providedto a Download Manger 105 that is utilized to download the updatepackages to individual vehicle TCUs.

Policy Manager 103 is utilized to generate control information for theupdates including a vehicle, vehicle models, and or groups of vehiclesthat is to be updated. In addition Policy Manger 103 identifies thecorresponding ECUs and ECU flash memory data images to be updated.Policy Manager 103 is also used to determine prerequisites to eachupdate, update scheduling and notifications to be provided. PolicyManager 103 is additionally utilized to select update status reports tobe provided back to the vehicle manufacturer.

For all updates, each vehicle's ECUs must be in the correct conditionsin order for flashing of the ECU memories to begin effectively. For someECUs, this would require the vehicle have the ignition on Certain ECUscannot be woke up unless there is an ignition on event. However, otherECUs may be woke up by a diagnostic message and flashed in while theignition is off mode. If an ECU can be woke up in the ignition off mode,then the ECU should be able to be flashed but some of the items whichneed to be accounted for are power consumption, i.e., it is notdesirable to draw down the vehicle battery, and the time it takes toperform the update

In performing an update of an ECU, all ECU internal conditions are metfor reflashing to begin. In addition, the ECU should have its flashloader in protected memory. The ECU should verify if valid code is inits flash memory (the re-flashable code) and the ECU should remain infailsafe bootblock, i.e., flashing, mode if valid code is not in flashmemory. Still further the bootblock (flashing) mode should support amethod of recovering from a failed flash attempt. The ECU should retainthe original part number after reflash.

Download Manager 113 downloads and authenticates software packageupdates to each designated vehicle 115. Download manager 113 is providedon one or more servers as described herein below and provides the updatepackages to client or target TCUs 119 in each target vehicle 115 beingupdated. The update downloads are provided via a network 117 using awireless link, i.e., over the air (OTA). A portion of the update packagecomprises an Update Manager 121 that TCU 119 utilizes to update one ormore ECUs 123 via CAN bus 211 of vehicle 115.

Download Manager 113, in another embodiment, utilizes an Open MobileAlliance (OMA) device management (DM) protocol to provide softwareupdate packages to target vehicles identified by the Policy Manager 103.OMA DM protocol has been utilized in the past to provide softwareupdates to mobile devices such as mobile phones, personal digitalassistants (PDAs), and tablet computers, but has not found utility forsoftware updating vehicles. We have determined that OMA DM protocol andits management capabilities may advantageously be utilized to providevehicle software updating.

OMA DM provides device management by wireless communication between aserver that is managing a device and a client that is the device beingmanaged. OMA DM is designed to support and utilize any number of datatransports both physically over both wireline, for example universalserial bus (USB) and RS-232, and over wireless media such as, forexample, GSM, CDMA, IrDA, or Bluetooth.

OMA DM communication protocol is a request-response protocol.Authentication and challenge of authentication are built-in to ensurethat the server and the client are communicating only after propervalidation. The server and client are both stateful, meaning a specificsequence of messages is to be exchanged only after authentication iscompleted to perform any task.

In an embodiment utilizing OMA DM protocol, Download Manager 105downloads each update package to a selected target vehicle TCU. The TCU,in effect, is operated as the client of the Download Manager 105 server.In this embodiment, the OMA DM download for each DUP is defined by anOMA specification for Software Component Management Object (SCOMO) thatallows a management authority to perform software management on a remotedevice, including installation, uninstallation, activation anddeactivation of software components OTA.

The update package downloaded to each vehicle 115 TCU 119 includes anUpdate Manager 121 that TCU 119 executes to validate an update flashmemory image, validate an update rule set, monitor each ECU 123 beingupdated, initiate each update, and report update status to DownloadManager 105.

Vehicle Manager 105 includes the ability for a vehicle manufacturer toperform a vehicle search based on the vehicle identification number(VIN) for a particular vehicle, to perform a search for a particular ECUin a vehicle, and to perform a search for vehicle by make, model andyear.

A first embodiment leverages existing technology to deliver update filesto TCU. In this embodiment, each vehicle TCU is used as a diagnostictool and updates the ECU (push). Each TCU acts as a server and supportsECU pull updates. All updates are performed at an ignition off cycle.The TCU monitors the state of its associated ECU being updated and othervehicle systems to ensure that an update is safe. If the update is to beperformed without customer opt-in to the update, only updates that canbe completed in a predetermined time will be allowed. The customer mayschedule larger updates via communication via a website or by phone.

In certain embodiments, a customer takes the vehicle to a vehicledealership. The dealership requests the update and prepares the vehicle.The update is performed wirelessly utilizing an OTA process. Byutilizing OTA, the update is performed much quicker and multiple updatescan be performed at once, saving time and money. The dealer verifiesthat that the updates are installed and operable.

In other embodiments, the vehicle customer is alerted about the updatevia email or text message, and is provided a telephone number to call toinitiate an update. The telephone number may be that of a call center,customer support, or dealership and upon calling the telephone number,the customer will be provided information on how to leave the vehicleand initiate the update. Alternatively, the customer may be alertedabout an update via email and/or text message, and the customer mustpositively reply to initiate an update. The customer is sentstart/complete/status messages via email and/or text message. In theseembodiments, the customer can schedule or reschedule updating via awebsite or by contacting the vehicle dealer. Larger sized updates maystill require a dealer visit and the dealer would confirm with thecustomer that the vehicle is operating properly.

In yet other embodiments of the invention the vehicle manufacturerpushes updates to directly to each vehicle and each update is performedaccording to the rules of the policy manager. The vehicle manufacturercan optionally notify customer and/or dealership of success.

Upon logging into Policy Manager 103, a user at terminal 101 ispresented with a screen 200 shown in FIG. 2. Each screen 200 for PolicyManager 103 comprises toolbars 201, 203.

Utilizing toolbar 201, a user may click on tabs or buttons to select todisplay a dashboard interface by clicking on Dashboard button 201 a,access Vehicle Manager and ECU Manager 107 by clicking on Vehiclesbutton 201 b, access Package Manager 109 by clicking on Packages button201 c, access quality assurance reports by clicking on QA button 301 d,and access Report Manager by clicking on reports button 201 e.

Toolbar 203 permits a user to access additional displays. The selectionof displays varies depending upon whether the screen being displayed isfor Vehicle Manager 105, ECU Manager 107, Package Manager 109, QA, orPackage Manager 109 comprises selection searches that are dependent onthe selection made from toolbar 203.

Screen display 200 is a display for Vehicle Manager 105 and toolbar 203provides buttons for determining a search type, favorite searches andrecently viewed items related to Vehicle Manager 105. A user may selecta search type by clicking on Vehicles button 203 a, Groups button 203 b,ECU Types button 203 c, Manufactures button 203 d, and Saved Searchesbutton 203 e. In addition, toolbar 203 may be utilized to display“Favorite Searches” that includes pending updates by clicking UpdatesPending button 203 f and Least Recently Updated Vehicles button 203 g. Auser may also select to view recent items by clicking on buttons 203 h,203 i.

In the embodiment shown, the initial screen 200 that is presenteddisplays a dashboard 205. Dashboard 205 presents history data in agraphical format. As shown in the embodiment, dashboard 205 showsmanufacturer data, a pie chart of package data, a graph of updatehistory, and a chart of brand users of system 100. In other embodimentsdifferent dashboard information may be presented to the user.

Turning now to FIG. 3, assuming that the user clicks Vehicles button 201a in toolbar 201, screen 300 is displayed. Toolbar 203 provides the userwith search options. Screen display 300 provides access to VehicleManager 105 and is used to perform vehicle searches. Clicking on +button 305 opens up search fields 307 that include vehicle VIN (vehicleidentification number), Groups (for previously selected target groups),vehicle Make, Model, Year, Body Style, ECU Part Number, hardware (HW)level, and software (SW) level. By typing in the desired search fields,vehicle search criteria are provided. Clicking on Filter button 309 willcause a search for matching vehicles to be performed on a database ofvehicles and cause a search results screen display 400 shown in FIG. 4to be generated.

Search results screen display 400 provides search results 411 as shownin FIG. 4. The search results 411 shown are a listing of vehicles thatmeet the search criteria. By clicking on buttons 413, the user may bringup additional results in the search. The user may select any of thesearch results for inclusion into a group by clicking on boxes 415.

The user may click on Group this Search button 417. After clicking Groupthis Search button 417, a selection box will be overlayed as a windowonto screen display 400 that will allow the user to create a new groupor perform other operations on the selected search results includingadding the selections into another group.

The user may utilize tool bar 203 to search for and create groups byclicking on Groups button 203 b. After clicking on button 203 b, screendisplay 500 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. A group name search may beconducted by entering the desired name in field 507 and clicking onfilter button 509. A listing of the search results will appear in awindow 511 shown in FIG. 6.

A group may be created by entering a group name in field 509 andclicking on Create button 519. A window will be opened that will permitattachment of an image file to be associated with the group name infield 509. A further Create button is provided in the window andclicking on the further Create button will associate the image file withthe group name.

Clicking on ECU Types button 203 c will open an ECU Type Manager with ascreen similar to FIG. 5. A series of fields 709 similar to those shownin FIG. 5 including a Name field, a Manufacturer field and a Part Numberfield. A + button 705, a Filter button 707, and a Create button 719 areprovided as shown on screen display 700. A search for ECUs is initiatedby filing in the desired search fields 709 and clicking Create button719. The search results are displayed in window 711.

Because the search results in the embodiment exceed the size of window711, buttons 713 may be used to scroll through the search results or toselect individual portions of the search results. As the search resultsare viewed, each result may be selected for inclusion into a group byclicking on select boxes 715. A group is created by clicking on Createbutton 719 to open a window that includes fields for the ECU Type name,supplier, part number and CAN identification. In addition a descriptionfield is opened and the ECU type may be identified as safety critical ornot.

Alternatively, a search may be made for all vehicles that include ECUsfrom a particular manufacturer by clicking on Manufacturers button 203d. Clicking on button 203 results in screen display 800 shown in FIG. 8.The desired manufacturer name is entered in field 909. Addition filterfields may be displayed by clicking on the + button 805. Aftercompleting the desired fields, Filter button 807 is clicked and searchresults are displayed in window 811. The search results may be scrolledthrough by clicking on buttons 813.

By clicking on Create button 819 a window is opened up that may be usedto create a new manufacturer listing.

By clicking on Packages button 201 c in tool bar 201, Package Manger 109is activated bringing up screen 900 as shown in FIG. 9. The initialscreen displays only the Name field in fields 909. Addition filterfields may be displayed by clicking on the + button 905. After enteringinformation desired in fields 909, Filter button 907 is clicked andsearch results are displayed in window 911. The search results windowsmay be scrolled through by clicking on buttons 913. Each search resultdisplayed includes the name assigned to the update, the vehicle group,the updated date and time for the most recent action on the update, andthe status of the update. The status indicated may include that theupdate is being built (Build), the built update is under approval review(Review), the built update has been approved (Approved), or the approveupdate is in the process of being installed (Running).

Clicking on create tab 919 on screen 900 results in screen 1000 beingdisplayed. Screen 1000 is utilized to create an update package. Screen1000 comprises a plurality of windows or sections 1031, 1033, 1035,1037, 1039, 1041, 1043 that are utilized to create an update package.

Window 1031 comprises fields to name the update package (Name), toassign a recall number to the update package (Recall Number), to assigna technical bulletin number or numbers to the update package (TechnicalBulletin), select a Vehicle Group, select a Download Schedule fordownloading the update package, select an Install Schedule forinstalling the update package, determining whether the update releaseshould be deployed in smaller sections and selecting the number ofsmaller sections (Stagger Release), selecting the percentage ofcompletion that each stage must reach before the next stage begins(Completion Threshold), and set the maximum amount of time each stageshould require to reach its threshold.

Window 1033 includes a list of approvers that are required prior torelease of an update package. The approvers may be selected by clickingthe associated one or ones of selection boxes 1033 a.

Window 1035 provides choices for runtime of the update package. In someinstances, it may be desirable for update packages to be initiated onlyat a vehicle dealer. In that circumstance the user will click on box1035 a. In other instances, where a customer has been notified of anupdate, the dealer may override the customer notification setting byclicking on box 1035 b. In the event that a download of the updatepackage for an individual vehicle does not occur when scheduled, a timefor retrying to download the update package after each attempt may beselected by setting a time in box 1035 c. A multiplier to be applied tothe time in box 1035 c for subsequent download retries may be entered inbox 1035 d.

A selection of various notifications may be made for the update packageby checking boxes 1037 a, 1037 b, 1037 c, 1037 d in box 1037 e.

Update text and email messages may be sent to vehicle owners byutilizing the message selection buttons 1039 a, 1039 b, 1039 c, 1039 din window 1039.

The ECU update image to be included in the update package is entered inwindow 1041.

Window 1043 is utilized to add rules that apply to update installation.Clicking on button 1043 a will open up various rule selection options.By way of non-limiting example, the rules may include ECUidentification, ignition status (ignition on, ignition in accessoryposition, ignition key in, ignition key out), battery voltage level,transmission status (neutral, park), engine status (on, off), vehiclelevel, door status (locked, unlocked, open), occupant status (driverpresent, driver not present, passenger present, passenger not present),motion status (vehicle in motion, vehicle stopped).

After completion of all the create package fields, clicking on button1047 will create the package. Alternatively the entries may all becancelled by clicking on button 1045.

Clicking on tab 1003 f in toolbar 1003 causes a recently worked onupdate package to be displayed. The selected update package is shown inscreen display 1100 shown in FIG. 11 Of particular interest is that thestatus of the pending update packages is shown. If the update package isstill in the process of being built the status is indicated as “Build”.Once an update is built, it is submitted for approval, the status isindicated as “Review” and upon being approved the status is indicated as“Approved”. Clicking on the button Queue for Approval 1151 submits theupdate package as configured to the individuals designated for approval.

Clicking on the QA tab 201 d opens up screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12 thatshows update packages that are Queued for Approval.

Clicking on the package listed on screen 1200 results in details of thatpackage being displayed in screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13. Clicking onTest Install button 1361 will open up a window to install the updatepackage on a test vehicle. That window will permit identification of thetest vehicle by VIN, and will set out the vehicle rules and installschedule. The window will also permit overriding any default schedulingof the install package and overriding any customer notifications.

Clicking on Reject button 1363 will allow disapproving of the updatepackage and open it for editing.

Clicking on Approve button 1365 approves the update package fordeployment.

Clicking on Clone button 1367 will cause the update package to becloned.

Turning now to FIG. 14 a representation of an electronic system of avehicle 1401 is shown. Vehicle 1401 comprises a TCU 1403, a plurality ofECUs 1405, 1407, 1409 and an electronic bus 1411 that permits TCU 1403to communicate with each of the ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409.

Although only three ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409 are shown and described, thoseskilled in the art understand that the number of ECUs shown in merelyrepresentative and the number of ECUs may be more or less. Each ECUcomprises a processor 1405 a, 1407 a, 1409 a and a flash memory 1405 b,1407 b, 1409 b.

As shown in FIG. 14, the TCU 1403 comprises a processor 1403 a, memory1403 b, wireless communication interface 1403 c, and an interface tovehicle electronic bus 1411. As used herein, a “processor” may includeany controller, microcontroller, processor or microprocessor or anycombination of two or more of any of the foregoing. Wirelesscommunication interface 1403 c is capable of sending and receiving datawirelessly to and from a gateway 1524 shown in FIG. 15.

Wireless communication interface 1403 c enables TCU 1403 to access awireless communication network shown in FIG. 15. Wireless communicationinterface 1403 c may comprise more than one type of wireless capabilityincluding various short range wireless communication link capabilitysuch as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in addition to longer range wirelesscommunication link capability such as any one of cellular or mobiletelephone capabilities. In one embodiment of the invention wirelesscommunication interface 1403 c enables TCU 1403 to receive updatepackages wirelessly from a vehicle dealer or from a vehiclemanufacturer. Although not shown in the drawing figures, wirelesscommunication interface may include or be coupled to one or moreantennas.

Update packages received wirelessly are stored in memory 1403 b. Memory1403 b may comprise one or more types of memory.

Bus interface 1403 d couples TCU 1403 to vehicle bus 1411 and is used tocommunicate data between TCU 1403 and each of the ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409.

Each ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 comprises a processor 1405 a, 1407 a, 1409 aand a corresponding flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b. Flash memories1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b store parameters and software that is utilized bythe corresponding processor 1405 a, 1407 a, 1409 a.

Turning now to FIG. 15 a wireless OTA update system 1500 is shown inwhich simultaneous wireless updating of a plurality of vehicles 1401 maybe managed. System 1500 provides a wireless network 1517 that maysimultaneously connect to the plurality of vehicles 1401.

Download manager 113 of FIG. 1 may reside on servers 1531 andcommunicate with each TCU 1403 via wireless network 1517. FIG. 15 showstwo servers 1531. In the embodiment of FIG. 1531 the two servers are abackup pair and only one of the two servers communicates via wirelessnetwork 1517 at a time. In other embodiments, unduplicated servers maybe utilized and it is intended that when reference is made to a serveror servers, that the server or servers may be duplicated or not. Eachserver 1531 communicates with TCUs 1403 via the Internet 1529 andwireless backhaul networks 1521.

FIG. 16 shows in greater detail a portion of wireless backhaul network1521. Internet 1529 connects servers 1531 to backhaul network 1521.Backhaul network 1521 in this embodiment comprises a gateway 1625coupled to cellular network 1627 that provides wireless links 1422 tovehicles 1401 via cell sites 1631.

Each TCU 1430 sends ongoing progress information to a server. Given thelarge number of vehicles that may need to be updated at the same time,there are many communication servers available in a distributed network.Each communication server can receive status updates from thousands ofvehicles simultaneously, producing a stream of data that is typicallysent to a log file. Human monitoring of all the distributed streams ofdata is a challenge.

A client may use a long-session protocol to establish a connection to anarbitration server. The client provides filtering terms and otherparameters necessary to reduce the stream to only what the user wishesto see. Additional parameters are provided to control formatting andpresentation.

The arbitration server establishes connections to all communicationservers for which the filtering terms may apply. These connections alsoinclude the filter terms relevant for each communication server. Thearbitration server may have multiple connections open to any subset ofall available communication servers.

As the communication servers produce their streams of data, each messageis compared to the filtering terms provided by the arbitration server.If the terms match, then the message is forwarded to the arbitrationserver. This activity does not otherwise interfere with the routinelogging or retention of the data.

The arbitration server combines all the data streams for each client,applies the requested filtering, formatting, and presentation, thentransmits the data to the client.

The client receives the data and presents it to the user.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a network 1700 comprising a main orarbitration server SP000 and a plurality of communication or groupservers SP001 . . . SPxxx arranged as a distributed network. Distributednetwork 1700 is an expanded version of network 100 shown in FIGS. 1, 2,and 3. Each TCU 1403 is operable such that its initial communication tonetwork 1700 utilizes main server information stored in its memory 1403b to establish a first communication with main server SP000. Each TCU1403 controller 1403 a may interact with main server SP000 to upload theconfiguration information from memory 1403 b to main server SP000 vianetwork 1700.

Each TCU 1403 is operable to receive group server identificationinformation from main server SP000 when communicating with main serverSP000 a second time. Controller 1403 a is operable to store the groupserver identification information in memory 1403 b. The group serverinformation comprises information identifying one or more serverscorresponding with a predetermined group assigned by main server SP000.Each TCU 1403 utilizes the group server identification information forsubsequent communication via network 1700.

Group server identification information is received by communicationseach TCU 1403 from main server SP000 the second time TCU 1403establishes communication with main server SP000. Each TCU 1403 utilizesthe group server identification information to access one group serverof the plurality of group servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx.

The group server identification information comprises identificationinformation for a predetermined number of group servers selectivelyassigned from the plurality of group servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx.

Turning back to FIG. 14, each controller 1403 a is operable to select agroup server from the predetermined number of group servers with whichto communicate via network 1700. Controller 1403 a selects the groupserver from the predetermined number of group servers in accordance witha predetermined selection algorithm. In one embodiment, the group serveris selected by accessing the first available group server by attemptingto access the group servers in a sequential order as stored in memory1403 b.

Although the above description refers to each server in the singular, inan embodiment of the invention, each group server SP001, . . . , SPXXXshown in FIG. 17 comprises a corresponding pair of servers P, S that areidentically configured.

One group server P, S of each group server pair operates as a primaryserver P to track and monitor the plurality of mobile routers and thecorresponding paired server is selected as a backup secondary server S.Each primary group server P and its corresponding secondary server Soperate such that data in primary group server P is replicated into itscorresponding secondary server S.

Primary group server P and the secondary server S operate to determineif a failure occurs in the primary group server; and the primary groupserver P and the secondary server S operate to automatically switch tothe secondary server as primary group server upon occurrence of afailure. After the original primary group server P is repaired, it ismanually switched back in service.

The group server pairs SP001, . . . , SPxxx are dispersed to be locatedat dispersed geographic locations and have different network peeringpoints.

When a new mobile router TCU 1403 is provisioned at the factory, it isconfigured to talk to the “main” communications server pair SP000 at anetwork operations center by storing access information for “main”communications server pair SP000 in memory 1403 b. Each newlyprovisioned mobile router 1403 registers with the “main” communicationsserver pair SP000 and uploads its configuration information to “main”communications server pair SP000. When TCU 1403 registers with the“main” communications server pair SP000 it calls into an “unassigned”server group address by default.

Upon the occurrence of a specific event, such as when vehicle 1401containing TCU 1403 is initially shipped it is assigned to a groupselected from a plurality of groups RG001-RGyyy. The group to which aTCU 1403 is assigned may be specific to a dealer or geographic area oris assigned based upon some other criteria.

The next time TCU 1403 comes on line and talks to main communicationsserver pair SP000, main communications server pair SP000 will identifythat TCU 1403 has been assigned to a group selected from the groupsRG001 through RGyyy that is different from the “unassigned” group. Maincommunications server pair SP000 will then reassign TCU 1403 to talk toa new communications server pair that handles the group to which TCU1403 has been assigned by downloading the new communication server pairaccess information to memory 1403 b. The new communications server pairis selected from the communications server pairs SP001 through SPxxx

There can be multiple communications server pairs per group and eachcommunications server can support multiple groups.

Each TCU 1403 is configured by main communications server pair SP000with addresses for multiple communications server pairs. The addressesfor the multiple communication server pairs are stored in each TCU 1403memory 1403 b. Each TCU 1403 will access the server addresses stored inits corresponding memory 1403 b in a predetermined order. If acommunication server pair associated with a first address isunavailable, TCU 1403 will access the next address of a communicationsserver stored in memory 1403 b. TCU 1403 will access communicationsserver addresses from TCU 1403 in predetermined order untilcommunications with a corresponding communications server isestablished.

Main server pair SP000 includes a manager program. The manager programis provided so that main server pair SP000 may communicate to all ofcommunications servers SP001-SPXXX, so an operator of the network systemnever needs to know which communications server communicates with whichrouter. The communication by main server pair SP000 to server pairsSP001-SPXXX is illustrated in FIG. 18.

Communications server pairs SP001-SPXXX do not need to be located in thesame facility. It is preferable that the communications server pairsSP001-SPXXX are not in the same facility. It is highly preferable thatthe communications server pairs SP001-SPxxx are geographically disperseand have different network peering points.

With the server network architecture described above, added capacity iseasily added by simply adding additional server pairs and configuringthem as available within the system manager at the network operationscenter SP000.

In various embodiments, a networked system 1700 comprises: a pluralityof vehicle TCUs 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn; a mainserver SP000; and a plurality of group servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx.Each TCU 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn is initiallyconfigured to communicate with the main server SP000. A first linkedcommunication between each TCU 1403N and main server SP000 is provided.Each TCU 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn is operable toinitially register with main server SP000 and operable to uploadconfiguration information from each TCU 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . ,1403RGyyy-nnn to main server SP000. Main server SP000 is operable toassign each TCU 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn with atleast one predetermined group selected from a plurality of predeterminedgroups RG001, . . . , RGyyy. Main server SP000 is operable, subsequentto registering and assigning TCU 1403N to reassign each TCU 1403N tocommunicate with at least one group server assigned to communicate withthe predetermined group RG001, . . . , RGyyy by providing each TCU1403N, with the address of at least one corresponding group server. Inthe embodiment shown, TCU 1403N has not been assigned to a group yet andTCUs 1403RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn are assigned to theircorresponding groups.

Main arbitration server SP000 is operable to reassign each TCU 1403N,1403RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn with a predetermined number ofgroup server addresses; and each TCU 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . ,1403RGyyy-nnn is operable to communicate with a correspondingpredetermined number of group servers SP001, . . . , SPyyy selected fromthe plurality of group servers. Each group server address corresponds toone of the predetermined number of group servers SP001, SPyyy.

Each TCU 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn is operated tocommunicate with one of the predetermined number of group servers SP001,. . . , SPyyy corresponding to one of the predetermined number ofaddresses.

In the methodology of an embodiment, a method comprises the steps ofproviding a plurality of TCUs 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . ,1403RGyyy-nnn; providing a main server SP000 for tracking and monitoringthe plurality of TCUs 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn;initially configuring each TCU 1403N, RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnnto communicate with the main server SP000; providing a first linkedcommunication between each TCU 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . ,1403RGyyy-nnn and main server SP000; registering each TCU 1403N,1403RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn with main server SP000 anduploading configuration information from each TCU 1403N, 1403RG001-001,. . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn to main server SP000; assigning each TCU 1403N,1403RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn with a predetermined group SP001, .. . , SPyyy; subsequent to the registering and assigning steps,providing a second linked communication between each TCU 1403N,1403RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn and main server SP000; andoperating main server SP000 such that when the second linkedcommunication occurs, main server SP000 reassigns each TCU 1403N,1403RG001-001, . . . , 1403RGyyy-nnn to communicate with at least onegroup server SP001, . . . , SPyyy assigned to communicate with thepredetermined group.

The embodiment may further comprise providing at least one group serverSP001, . . . , SPyyy with a corresponding paired group server P, S. Eachserver P and its corresponding paired server S are identicallyconfigured. The embodiment further comprises: selecting at least onegroup server P as a primary server to track and monitor the plurality ofTCUs; selecting the corresponding paired server as a secondary server;and replicating data in the primary group server into the secondary. Thereplicating data step may be performed in real time.

The embodiment may even further comprise determining if a failure occursin the primary server P; and automatically switching to the secondaryserver S as primary server upon determination of occurrence of thefailure.

Still further, the embodiment may include repairing the primary serverhaving the failure; and utilizing manual switchover to place therepaired server back in service.

Advantageously distributed network 1700 may be utilized to providesimultaneous updates to large numbers of vehicles by association of eachvehicle's TCU to corresponding group servers.

The interaction between a communication or group server and a target TCU1430 follows the following sequence:

-   -   The communication server sends a notification to a target TCU        1430;    -   TCU 1430 connects to the communication server;    -   The communication server sends a software/hardware inventory        request to target TCU 1430;    -   TCU 1430 sends the software/hardware inventory request;    -   The communication server sends a download command;    -   If command is “download” TCU 1430 will download a differential        update package DUP via a communication server and then send        “download complete” to the communication server;    -   The communication server sends “install” command with        prerequisite rules to TCU 1430; and    -   TCU 1430 installs the differential update at the appropriate        time.    -   TCU 1430 sends notifications to server on update install start,        progress and end.

An embodiment is provided for a method for wireless remote updating ofvehicle software of one or more target ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409 in a targetvehicle group comprising one or more vehicles 1401, each ECU 105, 1407,1409 comprising a flash memory 1405 a, 1407 a, 1409 a. The methodcomprises hosting manager software 103 on a server that is one of aclient server or a central server accessible by a client. The methodfurther comprises utilizing the manager software 103 for: selecting thetarget vehicle group; generating a differential update package (DUP) forthe target vehicle group, the DUP comprising update manager software121; selecting update prerequisites for executing the DUP; and selectingupdate scheduling for downloading the DUP. The method further comprises:providing download manager software 113 for downloading the DUP to eachone or more target vehicles 1401, and utilizing the download managersoftware for: establishing a separate wireless communication link 1422to a TCU 1403 in each target vehicle 1401 of the target vehicle group;and utilizing the download manager software 113 to download the DUP toeach TCU 1403 via each separate wireless communication link 1422. Themethod further comprises utilizing the update manager in each TCU toupdate the one or more target ECUs in each target vehicle by utilizingthe DUP to reflash each flash memory 1405 a, 1407 a, 1409 a of the oneor more target ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409.

The embodiment may further comprise: providing the DUP with an updaterule set and utilizing the update manager software 121 at each TCU 1403to update each target ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 flash memory 1405 a, 1407 a,1409 a by performing the following steps: validating each target ECU1405, 1407, 1409 flash image downloaded to each TCU 1403; validating theupdated rule set downloaded to each TCU 03; and updating each target ECU1405, 1407, 1409 in compliance with the rule set.

The embodiment may further comprise: utilizing download manger software113 to provide update interaction with each TCU 1403 via separatewireless communication link 1422.

The embodiment may comprise operating each TCU 1403 to report updatestatus to download manager software 113 via the wireless communicationlink 1422.

The embodiment may comprise utilizing the manager software 103 for:performing a vehicle search; creating and managing a plurality ofvehicle groups RG001, . . . , RGyyy; and selecting the target vehiclegroup RG001 from the plurality of vehicle groups RG001, . . . , RGyyy.

The embodiment may further comprise viewing ECU 1405, 1407, 1409hardware and software on a per vehicle 1401 basis.

The embodiment may comprise utilizing download manger software 113 toprovide update interaction with each the TCU 1403 via wirelesscommunication link 1422.

The embodiment may comprise utilizing each TCU 1403 to report status ofthe update to the download manager software 113 via the wirelesscommunication link 1422.

The embodiment may comprise providing manager software 103 with an ECUmanager 107. The method may comprise utilizing ECU manager 107 to searchfor predetermined ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409; and utilizing ECU manager 107to perform one or both of uploading contents of each flash memory 1405b, 1407 b, 1409 b of the predetermined ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409 or managingflash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b contents of the predetermined ECUs1405, 1407, 1409.

The embodiment may comprise utilizing download manager software 113 toprovide update interaction with TCU 1403 via wireless link 1422.

The embodiment may comprise operating TCU 1403 to report status of theupdate to download manager software 113 via wireless link 1422.

The embodiment may comprise utilizing the manager software 103 for:performing a vehicle search; creating and managing vehicle groups; andviewing ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409 on a per vehicle 1401 basis and currenthardware and software versions of each viewed ECU 1405, 1407, 1409.

The embodiment may comprise providing package manager software 109,utilizing package manager 109 to select update prerequisites; utilizingpackage manager 109 to select update scheduling; and utilizing packagemanager 109 to select notifications to be generated.

The embodiment may comprise utilizing the manager software 103 torequest approval of each DUP from one or more predetermined individuals.

The embodiment may comprise receiving approval of each DUP from one ormore predetermined individuals prior to initiating any download of eachthe DUP.

An embodiment of a method for updating an ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 in avehicle 1401 may be provided. The ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 comprises flashmemory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b storing a digital content image, a randomaccess memory (RAM) which is not shown in the drawing figures, and aboot loader comprises. The method comprises generating a differentialupdate package (DUP) for ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 to update the digitalcontent image to an updated digital content image. The DUP comprisesinstructions to perform one or more of copying bytes from flash memory1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b, applying a set of modifications to the copiedbytes, and adding additional bytes. The method further comprisestransmitting the DUP over a wireless carrier system 120 to a telematicsdevice or TCU 1403 of the vehicle 1401; storing an original block of theflash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b into the RAM; modifying the block inaccordance with the DUP to produce a modified block; erasing theoriginal block from the flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b; and writingthe modified block into the flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b in placeof the block.

The flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b and the RAM are sized to nothave the capacity to simultaneously store the present digital contentimage, the desired digital content image, and the DUP.

The method further comprises generating the DUP by comparing presentdigital content image of flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b with newdesired digital content image of the flash memory and producing a set ofchanges required to modify the present digital content image to thedesired digital content image.

The method may further comprise modifying the boot loader to allow aflashing tool to provide instructions to the boot loader to implementthe DUP on the digital content image.

The method may further comprise utilizing the flashing tool to keeptrack of progression of updating the flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409b; utilizing the flashing tool to detect any disruption of the updatingprogression; and utilizing the flashing tool to initiate continuation ofthe updating progression from the disruption.

The method may further comprise modifying the boot loader to allow aflashing tool to provide instructions to the boot loader to implementthe DUP on the digital content image.

An embodiment of a centralized system 1800 for real-time monitoringwidely distributed software updates of vehicle components, comprises: anarbitration server SP000; a distributed network comprising a pluralityof communication servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx; and a plurality ofvehicles 1401, each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles comprises a TCU1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn operable to communicate withone corresponding communication server of the plurality of communicationservers SP001, . . . , SPxxx. Each TCU 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . .1403RGyyy-nnn is adapted to receive and deploy software updates to ECUs1405, 1407, 1409 within the corresponding vehicle 1401. Each TCU 1403N,1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn is operable to generate statusupdates for the software updates and communicate the status updates toits corresponding communication server. Each communication server of theplurality of communication servers SP001, . . . SPxxx is operable tosimultaneously receive data messages comprising status updates from itscorresponding plurality of vehicles 1401 and to generate a data streamcomprising the data messages from the plurality of vehicles 1401, thedata stream being sent to a log file.

In the embodiment, the log file is dedicated to a client 101; andarbitration server SP000 receives filtering terms and parameters fromclient 101 to reduce the data stream to client determined data.

The embodiment may operate such that arbitration server SP000 receivesparameters from client 101 to control at least one of formatting andpresentation of the data stream.

Still further, arbitration server SP000 communicates the filter terms toselected communication servers of the plurality of communication serversSP001, . . . SPxxx for which the filtering terms apply.

Each communication server SP001, . . . SPxxx may compare each of thedata messages to the filtering terms to determine whether each datamessage matches the filtering terms and to produce a filtered datastream. The filtered data stream is communicated to the arbitrationserver SP000.

Another embodiment of a centralized system for real-time monitoringwidely distributed software updates of vehicle components shown in FIG.18, comprises a client server 1801, an arbitration server SP000, and adistributed network comprising a plurality of communication serversSP001, . . . , SPxxx. Each communication server SP001, . . . , SPxxx isoperable to communicate with a corresponding plurality of vehicle 1401.Each vehicle 1401 comprises apparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . .1403RGyyy-nnn operable to communicate with a corresponding communicationserver of the plurality of communication servers SP001, . . . , Pxxx.The apparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn is operable tocommunicate with electronic control units (ECUs) 1405, 1407, 1409 ineach vehicle. Apparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn isoperable to receive software updates from a corresponding communicationserver and to selectively deploy the software updates to one or moreECUs 1405, 1407, 1409 within each vehicle 1401. Apparatus 1403N,1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn is operable to monitor status of thesoftware updates and to generate status updates for deployment of thesoftware updates. Apparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn isoperable to communicate the status updates to the correspondingcommunication server. Each corresponding communication server SP001, . .. , SPxxx is operable to receive data messages comprising status updatesfrom the corresponding plurality of vehicles 1401 and is operable toutilize the data messages from the corresponding plurality of vehicles1401 to generate a data stream.

In this embodiment, arbitration server SP000 receives filtering termsfrom client server 1801 and applies the filtering terms to the datastream to reduce the data stream to client determined data. Arbitrationserver SP000 may receive formatting parameters from client server 1801to control formatting of the data stream. Arbitration server SP000communicates the filter terms to selected communication servers of theplurality of communication servers SP001, . . . SPxxx for which thefiltering terms apply. Each communication server SP001, . . . SPxxxapplies the filtering terms to each of the data messages to produce afiltered data stream, and the filtered data stream is communicated toarbitration server SP001, . . . SPxxx. Arbitration server SP000 combinesall data streams received from the plurality of communication serversSP001, . . . SPxxx for the client to produce a combined data stream, andarbitration server SP000 applies the filtering and the formatting andpresentation parameters to the combined data stream to produce afiltered data stream.

An embodiment of a method for real-time widespread distribution ofsoftware updates of vehicle components comprising flash memory 1405 a,1407 a, 1409 a comprises providing a client server 1801 for originatingthe software updates, providing an arbitration server SP000 operable tocommunicate with client server 1801, and providing a distributed network1700 comprising a plurality of communication servers SP001, . . . SPxxx.Each communication server SP001, . . . SPxxx is operable to communicatewith apparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn in a pluralityof corresponding vehicles 1401. The embodiment further comprisesoperating each apparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn tocommunicate via a wireless network 1521 shown in FIG. 15 with onecommunication server of the plurality of communication servers SP001, .. . SPxxx to receive and deploy software updates to electronic controlunits (ECUs) 1405, 1407, 1409 within its the corresponding vehicle 1401.The embodiment further comprises operating each apparatus 1403N,1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn to generate status updates for thesoftware updates and to communicate the status updates to the onecommunication server via the wireless network 1521. The method alsocomprises operating each communication server of the plurality ofcommunication servers SP001, . . . SPxxx to be operable to concurrentlyreceive the data messages comprising status updates from the pluralityof corresponding vehicles 1401. Still further, the method comprisesoperating each communication server SP001, . . . SPxxx to generate adata stream comprising the data messages from the plurality ofcorresponding vehicles 1401, the data stream being sent to arbitrationserver SP000.

An embodiment of a method for real-time monitoring widely distributedsoftware updates of vehicle components, comprises providing a clientserver 1801, providing an arbitration server SP000, providing adistributed network 1700 comprising a plurality of communication serversSP001, . . . SPxxx, and operating each communication server tocommunicate with a corresponding plurality of vehicles 1401. Eachvehicle 1401 of the corresponding plurality of vehicles comprisesapparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn operable tocommunicate with a corresponding communication server of the pluralityof communication servers SP001, . . . SPxxx via a wireless network 1521and operable to communicate with ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409 in each vehicle1401. The method comprises operating each communication server SP001, .. . SPxxx to download selected software updates for one or morepredetermined ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409 in each of the plurality of vehicles1401 to each vehicle apparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnnvia wireless network 1521, operating each vehicle apparatus 1403N,1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn to selectively deploy the softwareupdates to the one or more predetermined ECUs 1505, 1407, 1409 withinthe vehicle 1401 to monitor status of the software updates and togenerate status updates for deployment of the software updates, andoperating each vehicle apparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . .1403RGyyy-nnn to communicate the status updates to the correspondingcommunication server SP001, . . . SPxxx via wireless network 1521. Eachcorresponding communication server SP001, . . . SPxxx is operable toreceive data messages comprising status updates from each vehicleapparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn and to utilize thedata messages from the corresponding plurality of vehicles 1401 togenerate a corresponding data stream.

An embodiment of a method for real-time distribution of software updatesof vehicle components comprising flash memory 1405, 1407, 1409 comprisesthe steps of determining that a vehicle owner has requested a softwareupdate for the owner's vehicle; providing a client server 1801 fororiginating the software update; providing an arbitration server SP000operable to communicate with the client server 1801; providing adistributed network 1700 comprising a plurality of communication serversSP001, . . . SPxxx, each of the communication servers SP001, . . . SPxxxoperable to communicate with apparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . .1403RGyyy-nnn in a plurality of corresponding vehicles 1401 via awireless network 1521. The method further comprises operating eachapparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn in the owner'svehicle 1401 to communicate with one communication server of theplurality of communication servers SP001, . . . SPxxx via wirelessnetwork 1521 to receive and deploy the software updates to an ECU 1405within the owner's vehicle 1401; operating the apparatus 1403N,1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn in the owner's vehicle to generatestatus updates for the software update and to communicate the statusupdate to the one communication server SP001, . . . SPxxx via wirelessnetwork 1521; operating each communication server of the plurality ofcommunication servers SP001, . . . SPxxx operable to concurrentlyreceive data messages comprising status updates from the plurality ofcorresponding vehicles 1401 via wireless network 1521; and operatingeach communication server SP001, . . . SPxxx to generate a data streamcomprising the data messages from the plurality of correspondingvehicles 1401 and the status update from the owner's vehicle 1401. Thedata stream is sent to the arbitration server SP000.

An embodiment of a method for real-time monitoring widely distributedsoftware updates of vehicle components comprises providing a distributednetwork 1700 comprising a plurality of communication servers SP001, . .. SPxxx; and operating each communication server SP001, . . . SPxxx tocommunicate with a corresponding plurality of vehicles 1401. Eachvehicle comprises corresponding apparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . .1403RGyyy-nnn operable to communicate with a corresponding communicationserver of the plurality of communication servers SP001, . . . , SPxxxover a wireless network 1521. Apparatus 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . .1403RGyyy-nnn is operable to communicate with ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409 ineach vehicle 1401. The method further comprise initiating a softwareupdate to apparatus 1403 in a predetermined one vehicle 1401 of theplurality of vehicles; operating one communication server of theplurality of communication servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx to downloadselected software updates for a predetermined one or more ECUs 1405,1407, 1409 in the predetermined one vehicle 1401; and operating eachpredetermined one vehicle apparatus 1403 to selectively deploy thesoftware updates to one or more predetermined ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409within the predetermined one vehicle 1401, to monitor status of thesoftware updates and to generate status updates for deployment of thesoftware updates; and operating apparatus 1403 to communicate the statusupdates to the corresponding communication server of the plurality ofcommunication servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx. The correspondingcommunication server is operable to receive data messages comprising thestatus updates from the predetermined one vehicle apparatus 1403 and toutilize the data messages to generate a corresponding data stream.

An embodiment of a TCU 1403 installable in a vehicle 1401 comprises awireless network interface 1403 c; an interface 1403 d to a vehicle bus1411 coupled to a plurality of ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409 disposed in vehicle1401, a memory 1403 b; a processor 1403 a; and a differential updatepackage (DUP) received via wireless network interface 1403 c and storedin memory 1403 b to provide an update to a specific one ECU of the ECUs.Each ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 comprises flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b,a random access memory that is not shown, and a boot loader that is alsonot shown. The DUP comprises a flashing tool, differential updateinstructions for the specific one ECU and differential update data forthe flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b of the specific one ECU 1405,1407, 1409. Processor 1403 a utilizes the flashing tool to provide thedifferential update instructions to the boot loader of the specific oneECU 1405, 1407, 1409. The differential update instructions cause areexecutable by the specific one ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 to store a block ofthe flash memory contents into the RAM; processor 1403 a is operable toprovide the differential update data to the specific one ECU 1405, 1407,1409; the differential update instructions are executable by thespecific one ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 to modify the block in accordance withthe differential update data to produce a modified block; thedifferential update instructions are executable by the specific one ECU1405, 1407, 1409 to erase the block from the flash memory 1405 b, 1407b, 1409 b; and the differential update instructions are executable bythe specific one ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 to write the modified block fromthe RAM into flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b in place of the erasedblock.

Processor 1403 a utilizes the flashing tool to keep a progression stateof the update to flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b. Processor 1403 autilizes the progression state to detect any disruption of the update.Processor 1403 a utilizes the flashing tool to initiate continuation ofthe update subsequent to the disruption.

Wireless network interface 1403 c may comprise an interface to awireless wide area network 1521 and an interface to a wireless localarea network.

Each TCU 1403 may comprise a communications agent to automaticallyselect one of the wireless wide area network interface and the wirelesslocal area network interface over which to receive the DUP.

Each TCU 1403 may comprise a communications agent responsive to anattempt to download the DUP over one of the wireless wide area networkinterface and the wireless local area network interface to automaticallyenable downloading the DUP to the TCU 1403.

Another embodiment of a TCU 1403 installable in a vehicle 1401comprises: a wireless network interface 1403 c; an interface 1403 d to avehicle bus 1411 coupled to a plurality of electronic control units(ECUs) 1405, 1407, 1409 disposed in vehicle 1401, a memory 1403 b; aprocessor 1403 a; and a differential update package (DUP) received viawireless network interface 1403 c and stored in memory 1403 b to providean update to a specific one ECU 1405, 1407, 1409. Each ECU 1405, 1407,1409 comprising flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b, a random accessmemory (RAM), and a boot loader the DUP comprises a flashing tool,differential update instructions for the specific one ECU 1405, 1407,1409 and differential update data for flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409b of the specific one ECU 1405, 1407, 1409. Processor 1403 a is operableto determine if vehicle 1401 is in a predetermined state and processor1403 a is operable to update ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 if vehicle 1401 is inthe predetermined state.

Processor 1403 a is operable to monitor ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 and thestate of vehicle 1401 and to execute the update only while ECU 1405,1407, 1409 is in a predetermined ECU state and vehicle 1401 is in thepredetermined state.

Processor 1403 a utilizes the flashing tool to provide the differentialupdate instructions to the boot loader of the specific one ECU 1405,1407, 1409. The differential update instructions are executable by thespecific one ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 to store a block of the flash memoryinto the RAM. Processor 1403 a is operable to provide the differentialupdate data to the specific one ECU 1405, 1407, 1409. The differentialupdate instructions are executable by the specific one ECU 1405, 1407,1409 to modify the block in accordance with the differential update datato produce a modified block. The differential update instructions areexecutable by the specific one ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 to erase the blockfrom the flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b and the differential updateinstructions are executable by the specific one ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 towrite the modified block from the RAM into flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b,1409 b in place of the erased block.

Processor 1403 a is operable to monitor each ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 andthe vehicle state and to execute the update only while the specific oneECU 1405, 1407, 1409 is in a predetermined ECU state and vehicle 1401 isin the predetermined state and the updates can be completed in apredetermined period of time.

In an embodiment, processor 1403 a utilizes the flashing tool to providedifferential update instructions to the boot loader of the specific oneECU 1405, 1407, 1409. The differential update instructions areexecutable by the specific one ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 to store a block offlash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b into the RAM. Processor 1403 a isoperable to provide differential update data to the specific one ECU1405, 1407, 1409. The differential update instructions are executable bythe specific one ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 to modify the block in accordancewith the differential update data to produce a modified block. Thedifferential update instructions are executable by the specific one ECU1405, 1407, 1409 to erase the block from flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b,1409 b and the differential update instructions are executable by thespecific one ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 to write the modified block from theRAM into the flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b in place of the erasedblock.

In an embodiment, processor 1403 a utilizes the flashing tool to keep aprogression state of the update to the flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409b. Processor 1403 a utilizes the progression state to detect anydisruption of the update. Processor 1403 a utilizes the flashing tool toinitiate continuation of the update subsequent to the disruption.

In an embodiment, wireless network interface(s) 1403 c comprises aninterface to a wireless wide area network 1521. Wireless networkinterface(s) 1403 c may additionally comprises an interface to awireless local area network. TCU 1403 may further comprise acommunications agent to automatically select one of the wireless widearea network interface and the wireless local area network interfaceover which to receive the DUP.

In an embodiment, a communications agent in TCU 1403 is responsive to anattempt to download the DUP over one of the wireless wide area networkinterface and the wireless local area network interface to automaticallyenable downloading the DUP to the TCU 1403.

An embodiment of a method for upgrading vehicle ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409each comprising a flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b and disposed in avehicle 1401 comprising a TCU 1403 that is operable to communicate tothe ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409 is provided. The method comprises creating adifferential upgrade package (DUP) for each upgrade to a predeterminedECU 1405, 1407, 1409. The creating comprises: comparing a new image ofthe digital contents of the predetermined ECU flash memory with apresent image of the digital contents of the predetermined ECU flashmemory; and producing a set of changes to modify the present image tothe new image, the changes comprising a set of instructions. The set ofinstructions comprises an instruction to copy a block of bytes from thepredetermined ECU flash memory, an instruction perform one or more ofapplying a set of modifications to the block of bytes and addingadditional bytes to the block of bytes to generate a block of the newimage, and an instruction to copy the block of the new image into thepredetermined ECU flash memory in place of the copied block of bytesfrom the predetermined ECU flash memory. The method further comprisesdownloading the DUP to one or more vehicles comprising a TCU via awireless network and utilizing the TCU to automatically respond toreceipt of the DUP to the predetermined ECU to update the predeterminedECU flash memory.

In an embodiment, the method comprises utilizing a distributed network1700 to download the DUP to a plurality of vehicles 1401 to provideconcurrent updating of the predetermined ECU in each plurality ofvehicles.

In an embodiment, the method comprises providing a client server 1801;uploading the DUP to the client server 1801; and coupling the clientserver 1801 to a distributed network 1700 to download the DUP to aplurality of vehicle TCUs 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn,each corresponding vehicle comprising the predetermined ECU.

An embodiment of the method further comprises utilizing an arbitrationserver SP000 coupled to a plurality of communication servers SP001, . .. , SPxxx for the distributed network 1700.

The method may further comprise providing a distributed network 1700comprising an arbitration server SP000 and a plurality of communicationservers SP001, . . . , SPxxx; uploading the DUP to the communicationservers SP001, . . . SPxxx via the arbitration server SP000; anddownloading the DUP concurrently from the plurality of communicationservers SP001, . . . , SPxxx to a plurality of vehicle TCUs 1403N,1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn.

A further embodiment of a method is provided for real-time monitoring ofwidely distributed software updates of vehicle ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409.Each ECU 1405, 1407, 1409 comprises a flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409b and is disposed in one vehicle 1401 of a plurality of vehicles. Eachvehicle 1401 comprises a TCU 1403 that is operable to communicate to itscorresponding ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409. The method comprises creating adigital upgrade package (DUP) for each upgrade to a predetermined ECU ineach vehicle of the plurality of vehicles. The creating comprises:comparing a new image of the digital contents of a predetermined ECUflash memory with a present image of the digital contents of thepredetermined ECU flash memory; and producing a set of changes to modifythe present image to the new image, the changes comprising a set ofinstructions. The set of instructions comprises an instruction to copy ablock of bytes from the predetermined ECU flash memory, an instructionperform one or more of applying a set of modifications to the block ofbytes and adding additional bytes to the block of bytes to generate ablock of the new image, and an instruction to copy the block of the newimage into the predetermined ECU flash memory in place of the copiedblock of bytes from the predetermined ECU flash memory. The methodfurther comprises downloading the DUP to the plurality of vehicles via awireless distributed network 1700; utilizing each TCU 1430 toautomatically respond to receipt of the DUP to update a correspondingthe predetermined ECU flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b; utilizingeach TCU 1430 to automatically generate an update status report for theDUP update of the corresponding predetermined ECU flash memory; andoperating each TCU 1430 to automatically upload the status report to thewireless distributed network 1700.

An embodiment may comprise: providing the wireless distributed network1700 with a plurality of communication servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx,each of the communication servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx operable tocommunicate with a corresponding subset of the plurality of vehicles1401; and providing the wireless distributed network 1700 with anarbitration server SP000 operable to communicate with the plurality ofcommunication servers SPS001, . . . , SPxxx.

An embodiment may comprise operating each communication server of theplurality of communication servers SPoo1, . . . , SPxxx to receive theupdate status report from each vehicle 1401 of the corresponding subsetof the plurality of vehicles; and operating each communication serverSP001, . . . , SPxxx of the plurality of communication servers SP001, .. . , Spxxx to combine the update status reports into a correspondingdata stream.

An embodiment may comprise providing each communication server of theplurality of communication servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx with data streamfiltering criteria to filter the update status reports to produce afiltered data stream.

An embodiment may comprise uploading the data stream filtering criteriato the arbitration server SP000 from a client and may further compriseproviding each communication server of the plurality of communicationservers SP001, . . . , SPxxx with formatting data to format the filtereddata stream.

An embodiment may yet further comprise uploading the data streamfiltering criteria to the arbitration server SP000 from a client.

An embodiment may comprise providing the arbitration server SP000 withdata stream filtering criteria to filter the update status reports toproduce a filtered data stream; establishing communication links withselected communication servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx of the plurality ofcommunication servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx for which the data streamfiltering is applicable; uploading the data stream filtering criteria tothe selected communication servers; and utilizing the data streamfiltering criteria at each of the selected communication servers SP001,. . . , SPxxx to filter the update status reports to generate acorresponding data stream for each of the selected communication serversSP001, . . . , SPxxx.

An embodiment may further comprise downloading each corresponding datastream to the arbitration server SP000; and operating arbitration serverSP000 to combine all of the corresponding filtered data streams into asingle data stream; and downloading the single data stream to theclient.

An embodiment may comprise providing the arbitration server SP000 withformatting criteria; and utilizing arbitration server SP000 to apply theformatting criteria to the single data stream to provide a formatteddata stream.

An embodiment may comprise downloading the formatted data stream to theclient.

An embodiment is provided for a method for real-time monitoring ofwidely distributed software updates of vehicle ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409each comprising a flash memory 1405 b, 1407 b, 1409 b. Each ECU 1405,1407, 1409 is disposed in one vehicle 1401 of a plurality of vehicles,each vehicle 1401 comprising a TCU 1403 that is operable to communicateto the ECUs 1405, 1407, 1409. The method comprises creating a digitalupgrade package (DUP) for each upgrade to a predetermined ECU 1405,1407, 1409 in each vehicle 1401 of the plurality of vehicles;downloading the DUP to the plurality of vehicles via a wirelessdistributed network 1700; utilizing each TCU 1403 to automaticallyrespond to receipt of the DUP to update a corresponding thepredetermined flash memory 1405, 1407, 1409; utilizing each TCU 1403 toautomatically generate an update status report for each DUP update ofthe corresponding the predetermined flash memory !$05 b, 1407 b, 1409 b;and operating each TCU 1403 to automatically upload the status report tothe wireless distributed network 1700.

An embodiment may comprise providing the wireless distributed network1700 with a plurality of communication servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx,each operable to communicate with a corresponding subset plurality ofvehicles of the plurality of vehicles 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . .1403RGyyy-nnn; and providing the wireless distributed network 1700 withan arbitration server SP000 operable to communicate with the pluralityof communication servers 1403N, 1403RG001-001, . . . 1403RGyyy-nnn.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changesand modifications may be made to the embodiments described hereinwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It isintended that the invention not be limited in any way by the embodimentsshown and described herein, but that the invention be limited only bythe claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A centralized system for real-time monitoringwidely distributed software updates of vehicle components, comprising:an arbitration server operable to distribute software updates of vehiclecomponents; a distributed network comprising a plurality ofcommunication servers each operable to communicate with said arbitrationserver to receive said software updates and to download said softwareupdates to a corresponding group of vehicles of a plurality of groups ofvehicles and to receive real-time status updates for said softwareupdates downloaded to each said vehicle of said corresponding group ofvehicles; each said vehicle of said plurality of groups of vehiclescomprising a telematics control unit (TCU), each said TCU communicateswith a corresponding one communication server of said plurality ofcommunication servers, said TCU receives and deploys said softwareupdates from said corresponding one communication server to electroniccontrol units (ECUs) within said vehicle, and said TCU generatesreal-time status updates for said software updates and communicates saidstatus updates to said corresponding one communication server; and eachsaid communication server of said plurality of communication serversoperates to simultaneously receive said data messages comprising saidstatus updates from said corresponding group of said plurality of groupsof vehicles and generates a data stream comprising said data messagesfrom said corresponding group of said plurality of groups of vehicles,said data stream being sent to a log file.
 2. A centralized system inaccordance with claim 1, wherein: said log file is dedicated to a clientsaid client sourcing said software updates to said arbitration server;and said arbitration server receives filtering terms and parameters fromsaid client to reduce said data stream to client determined data.
 3. Acentralized system in accordance with claim 2, wherein: said arbitrationserver receives parameters from said client to control at least one offormatting and presentation of said data stream.
 4. A centralized systemin accordance with claim 3, wherein: said arbitration servercommunicates said filter terms to selected communication servers of saidplurality of communication servers for which said filtering terms apply.5. A centralized system in accordance with claim 4, wherein: each saidselected communication server compares each of its said data messages tosaid filtering terms to determine whether each said data message matchessaid filtering terms and to produce a filtered data stream; and saidfiltered data stream is communicated to said arbitration server.
 6. Acentralized system in accordance with claim 5, wherein: said arbitrationserver combines all data streams received from said plurality ofcommunication servers for said client to produce a combined data stream;and said arbitration server applies said filtering and said formattingand presentation parameters to said combined data stream to produce afiltered data stream.
 7. A centralized system in accordance with claim6, wherein: said arbitration server transmits said filtered data streamto said client.
 8. A centralized system in accordance with claim 7,wherein: said client is operable to receive said filtered data streamand to present data messages in said filtered data stream to a user ofsaid client.
 9. A centralized system for real-time monitoring widelydistributed software updates of vehicle components, comprising: a clientserver operable to provide software updates; an arbitration server incommunication with said client server to distribute said softwareupdates; a distributed network comprising a plurality of communicationservers, each said communication server communicates with saidarbitration server to receive said software updates, each saidcommunication server communicates with a corresponding group of vehiclesof a plurality of groups of vehicles to distribute said software updatesto each of said vehicles in said corresponding group of vehicles; eachvehicle of said corresponding group of vehicles comprising: apparatusoperable to communicate with a corresponding communication server ofsaid plurality of communication servers, said apparatus operable tocommunicate with electronic control units (ECUs) in said each vehicle,said apparatus operable to receive said software updates from saidcorresponding communication server and to selectively deploy saidsoftware updates to one or more (ECUs) within said vehicle, saidapparatus is operable to monitor status of said software updates inreal-time and to generate real-time status updates for deployment ofsaid software updates, and said apparatus is operable to communicatesaid status updates to said corresponding communication server; eachsaid corresponding communication server is operable to receive datamessages comprising said status updates from said corresponding group ofvehicles and to utilize said data messages from said corresponding groupof vehicles to generate a data stream and to communicate said datastream to said arbitration server, said arbitration server utilizingsaid data stream to provide software update status data to said clientserver.
 10. A centralized system in accordance with claim 9, wherein:said arbitration server receives filtering terms from said client serverand said arbitration server applies said filtering terms to said datastream to reduce said data stream to client determined data.
 11. Acentralized system in accordance with claim 10, wherein: saidarbitration server receives formatting parameters from said clientserver to control formatting of said data stream.
 12. A centralizedsystem in accordance with claim 11, wherein: said arbitration servercommunicates said filter terms to selected communication servers of saidplurality of communication servers for which said filtering terms apply.13. A centralized system in accordance with claim 12, wherein: each saidcommunication server applies said filtering terms to each of said datamessages to produce a filtered data stream; and said filtered datastream is communicated to said arbitration server.
 14. A centralizedsystem in accordance with claim 13, wherein: said arbitration servercombines all data streams received from said plurality of communicationservers for said client to produce a combined data stream; and saidarbitration server applies said filtering and said formatting andpresentation parameters to said combined data stream to produce afiltered data stream.
 15. A centralized system in accordance with claim14, wherein: said arbitration server transmits said filtered data streamto said client server.
 16. A centralized system in accordance with claim15, wherein: said client server is operable to receive said filtereddata stream and to said present data messages in said filtered datastream to a user of said client server.